Italian charms are modular jewelry that can be designed to fit the personality of anyone that wears them. The style began in the late 1980s in Italy. The bracelets became so popular that soccer players wore bracelets sporting their country’s colors. By the early 1990s, American tourists to Italy brought the trend back to the United States.

An Italian charm starter bracelet consists of 18 blank individual rectangular links. Standardized sizing allows for each piece to be interchangeable with any Italian charm. Unlike traditional charm bracelets that dangle off a chain, the Italian charm bracelet allows for a complete look that can be changed depending on the wearer’s mood and/or changing interests.

Charms may be used to represent anything. The most common charm representations are hobbies, careers, family, interests, etc. The modular nature of the bracelet allows for each individual to create a bracelet that is unique.

The original charms were made by permanently soldering or etching a design onto the surface of the stainless steel. More recently, the most common charms are made through an enamel process that allows for full color. This enamel process can be quite expensive though, so it is used only for charms that will be sold in large quantities. However, even though thousands of different charms are produced in large quantities, Italian charm bracelet owners desire more individualized charms. The popularity of the bracelets has prompted a necessity for a less expensive form of production.

One method that has been found to produce charms less expensively involves laser technology. Lasers are used to permanently etch a design onto the surface of stainless steel. These charms are less expensive than the enamel charms. Laser technology also allows for the customization of charms. A fully customized and individualized laser charm can be bought between to a piece.

Further customization can be accomplished through the use of photographs. Photographs can be turned into charms through two methods. First, the photograph is mounted to the rectangular piece and sealed over. Second, the image can be transferred to the metal through a process known as dye-sublimation.

Although the original trend involved only bracelets, the craze has spread to other merchandise. Fans of this growing style can now get key chains, anklets, earrings and necklaces.